Local Projects
Several infrastructure projects are underway or planned in and around the Indian Village neighborhood. This page tracks the major construction, road, and trail projects that affect our community — from bridge work on Bluffton Road to new trail connections that will improve walkability and recreation for residents.
Last reviewed: March 2026. If you know of a project we’re missing, email board@indianvillagefw.org.
Bluffton Road Bridge Reconstruction
Under ConstructionThe Bluffton Road Bridge over the St. Mary's River is being completely reconstructed after a 2020 inspection forced a 12-ton weight limit on the aging structure. The project replaces the bridge superstructure and adds major pedestrian and bicycle improvements.
Impact on Our Neighborhood
Construction resumes March 30, 2026 with work on the east side of Broadway. A new traffic pattern will be in effect for several weeks while the intersection is resurfaced. Bridge work continues through April and May, with full completion expected by early June 2026. The Meet the Contractor meeting was held at Indian Village Park's Sears Pavilion in January 2025.
Project Features
- New support beams, pier caps, and concrete deck
- Wider trails over bridge (5 ft expanded to 8+ ft) with paths on both sides
- Eight overlook areas with see-through railing
- Decorative ornamental lighting on barrier walls
- New trail under the bridge with lighting
- Improved Broadway & Bluffton intersection with ADA crosswalks
- Trail/sidewalk roundabout at SW corner
- Scour protection in the river
Key Dates
Bluffton Road NIPSCO Gas Pipeline
Under ConstructionNIPSCO is constructing a new natural gas pipeline and automated monitoring stations along Bluffton and Old Trail Roads. The project involves months of intermittent lane closures and road restrictions along one of the area's busiest corridors, which sees around 30,000 vehicles per day.
Impact on Our Neighborhood
Detour routes direct traffic outside Waynedale's primary business districts, raising concerns among local shop owners about reduced foot traffic. The planned full closure of Old Trail Road (April 20 – June 23) directly overlaps the community's 65+ year Memorial Day Parade tradition on May 25. As of late February 2026, neither NIPSCO nor the city had confirmed whether parade accommodations would be made.
Project Features
- New natural gas pipeline along Bluffton and Old Trail Roads
- Automated pipeline monitoring and control stations
- Gas main installation between Ferguson and Winters Roads
- Gas main repair from Winters to Pleasant Center Road
Key Dates
Official Links
Waynedale News ArticleIllinois Road Trail & Road Improvement
Just StartedA nearly two-mile trail extending from Rockhill Park to the intersection of Getz Road and Illinois Road, plus resurfacing of Illinois Road and improvements to four intersections. The trail will connect users to Parkwest Shopping Center, Jefferson Pointe, and numerous businesses along the Illinois Road corridor.
Impact on Our Neighborhood
While not directly within Indian Village, the Illinois Road Trail extends the regional trail network that neighbors can access. It connects to the Towpath Trail, Yarnelle Trail, Getz Road sidewalk, and Ardmore Avenue Trail — building a more connected trail system on Fort Wayne's southwest side. Road resurfacing will proceed in four phases from west to east, so expect intermittent traffic impacts on Illinois Road through 2027.
Project Features
- Nearly 2-mile paved trail from Rockhill Park to Getz Road & Illinois Road
- Connects to Towpath Trail, Yarnelle Trail, Getz Road sidewalk, and Ardmore Avenue Trail
- Illinois Road resurfacing
- Four intersection improvements
- Access to Parkwest Shopping Center and Jefferson Pointe
Key Dates
Official Links
City Project PagePoka-Bache Connector Trail (Bluffton Road)
In DesignA 2.1-mile, 10-foot-wide asphalt trail along the east side of Bluffton Road from Ferguson Road to Lower Huntington Road. This is a local phase of the 82-mile Poka-Bache Connector — which will become the longest trail in Indiana, linking Pokagon State Park in Angola to Ouabache State Park in Bluffton.
Impact on Our Neighborhood
This trail will run right along Bluffton Road through the Waynedale area, directly improving pedestrian and bicycle access for Indian Village residents. When completed, it will connect the neighborhood to the broader Poka-Bache trail system spanning four counties. A public information meeting is scheduled for April 8, 2026 at 6 PM at Waynedale United Methodist Church.
Project Features
- 2.1-mile, 10-foot-wide asphalt trail on east side of Bluffton Road
- Trailhead and rest area near Bluffton and Ferguson intersection
- Park benches approximately every half mile
- Prefabricated pedestrian bridge at Harber Ditch
- Traffic signal upgrades with accessible pedestrian signals
- Crosswalk and ADA improvements
- Pedestrian refuge island at Airport Expressway